Before I started using liquid foundation, it was compact powders all the way. They are easy to apply, great for travel, and most brands carry them. Mid-way, I switched to mineral foundation having heard all the good stuff about it. I tried the Bare Escentuals Mineral Foundation but my skin didn't react well too it. So I went back to compacts and one of my favorites was the MAC Studio Fix.
MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, NC25. £27.00 (27 reviews) InStyle Best Beauty Buys Award Winner. Free standard delivery over £50. MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation: rated 4 out of 5 on MakeupAlley. See 3949 member reviews and photos. NC25, NC35, and I think C2 depending on what. MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus is a pressed powder foundation with a matte finish and full coverage that retails for $30.00 and contains 0.52 oz. ($57.69 per ounce). There are 52 shades in our database, which you can select from in the View a Shade dropdown menu below.
I liked it so much I went out to get a backup, way before the first one panned out. When something's that good, you just wanna use it forever, right? =DDD
Evens Out Skin Tone
MAC NC25 is described by the brand as 'Light golden with golden undertone for light to medium skin.' It is a shade in the Studio Fix Powder Plus range, which is a pressed powder foundation with a matte finish and full coverage that retails for $30.00 and contains 0.52 oz. Free shipping Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation. A one-step pressed powder and foundation that gives skin a 12-hour ultra-matte finish while controlling shine and without causing acne.
Mac Studio Fix Powder Nc45
I have under eye circles, redness around the nose, uneven skin tone aplenty. The MAC Studio Fix Foundation does quite a good job in drastically reducing all these imperfections. It does not hide hideous acne well on its own though.
When the need for more concealment arises, I use a cream concealer like the Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette after a face primer, then finish with the MAC Studio Fix Foundation.
Full Coverage
You can build to your desired coverage with this foundation – full, medium, or sheer (like as a setting powder).
Full Coverage:
Use the sponge provided, dab it on (do not rub), and build it on for more coverage.
Make sure to wash the sponge frequently with the Daiso Brush Cleanser.
If you prefer not to use sponges, like me, then load a kabuki brush with powder by swirling it in the pan. Do it in layers for increasing coverage instead of getting a thick first layer.
Medium Coverage:
Use a stippling brush or a kabuki brush like the Sigma F80 Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush.
Sheer Coverage:
Use a large fluffy brush like the EcoTools Blush Brush to set liquid foundation. I prefer using the MAC Studio Fix Foundation this way. If your liquid foundation provides medium coverage, the MAC Foundation can bring it to full coverage.
If you have oily skin, it is recommended that you use a powder to set liquid foundation. I use the MAC Studio Fix Foundation or MAC Blot Powder, depending on my mood and need for coverage. Digital image editing software free download.
Matte, Almost Mask-like
The MAC Studio Fix Foundation gives a matte finish. You can create a natural look or porcelain-doll kind of finish with the different types of application as stated above.
Be careful, though, if you have bumps and pits on your skin, like I do – aplenty. This foundation, while does well to even out skin tone, does not glide over skin blemishes as well as do liquid foundation. It is perfect for people with relatively good skin. This brings out the worst of my skin during PMS when pimples celebrate in blooms on my face.
Due to its matte finish, it does little to brighten the skin. So using this when you're sick may make your skin look dull and flat. X(
I would think that people with mature skin should avoid this foundation as well as it tends to make fine lines more visible. I used to be able to use this without having obvious cracks under the eyes after a while, but I seem to be slowly losing that luxury! BOO!
Not Long Lasting Enough
Personally I find that the MAC Studio Fix Foundation does not stay on my skin as long as a liquid foundation does. It tends to slide off within a few hours, maybe 4-5? Good thing that it is easy to reapply.
Therefore I use this in conjunction with liquid foundation now, and not on its own, like I used to. Our skin go through changes, and so must our face products!
I love using this to set the Lancôme Maqui Blanc Miracle Liquid Foundation (review).
Great for Travel
This is a great face powder to have in your travel makeup bag or to bring around every day in your purse for touch-up. It is light, compact, and convenient!
I would still bring along a liquid foundation though, because I fear that the unpredictable weather might make my skin too dry or too oily, and I want to have options. Lol.
No Breakout
It seems that many people have problems with the MAC Studio Fix Foundation, what with clogged pores, huge cystic pimples, and creating havoc on the skin! Screen grab video mac. Terrible!
I didn't get those from using this foundation. I naturally have pores that are prone to clogging and I never have a face free of pimples (sad life). When I used the MAC Foundation, my skin condition did not get better or worse – it remained the same.
I would think that using the sponge applicator might have caused some reactions on the skin due to accumulated dirt and grime and oil on the sponge. EW. That's why I never use the sponge applicator, even though it is stored in a separate compartment which makes it slightly more hygenic than those that sit on top of the powder all the time.
Instead of throwing out the MAC Studio Fix Foundation the moment mayhem occurs, try switching to a makeup face brush. That could make a difference!
Shades for Everyone
MAC's strong value proposition is that it has such a great color range for skin undertones and skin tones. You are bound to find a good color match, provided you get a right match in the first place. MUAs are reputed to give wrong color matches, so doing some homework beforehand is ideal. Scroll between windows mac.
For example, if you use ZA 21, try searching around for people who use the same shade and their respective MAC shade. It is best to go to a store to play with the colors yourself and also ask a MUA for help.
I did my research beforehand and went down to a MAC store to confirm my shade – NC25. Online piano keyboard with songs. It is good to know your MAC shade as people tend to use MAC as a guideline.
I am on the lighter side of NC25 though, if I could, I'd like an NC23.5 match, please.
Left: Old NC25 pan; Right: New NC25 pan. No difference!
'I'm NC 20-25, which shade should I use for MUFE Mat Velvet +?', 'What kind of blush is suitable for NC35 skin?', are typical types of questions people will ask.
The MAC Studio Fix Foundation gives a matte finish. You can create a natural look or porcelain-doll kind of finish with the different types of application as stated above.
Be careful, though, if you have bumps and pits on your skin, like I do – aplenty. This foundation, while does well to even out skin tone, does not glide over skin blemishes as well as do liquid foundation. It is perfect for people with relatively good skin. This brings out the worst of my skin during PMS when pimples celebrate in blooms on my face.
Due to its matte finish, it does little to brighten the skin. So using this when you're sick may make your skin look dull and flat. X(
I would think that people with mature skin should avoid this foundation as well as it tends to make fine lines more visible. I used to be able to use this without having obvious cracks under the eyes after a while, but I seem to be slowly losing that luxury! BOO!
Not Long Lasting Enough
Personally I find that the MAC Studio Fix Foundation does not stay on my skin as long as a liquid foundation does. It tends to slide off within a few hours, maybe 4-5? Good thing that it is easy to reapply.
Therefore I use this in conjunction with liquid foundation now, and not on its own, like I used to. Our skin go through changes, and so must our face products!
I love using this to set the Lancôme Maqui Blanc Miracle Liquid Foundation (review).
Great for Travel
This is a great face powder to have in your travel makeup bag or to bring around every day in your purse for touch-up. It is light, compact, and convenient!
I would still bring along a liquid foundation though, because I fear that the unpredictable weather might make my skin too dry or too oily, and I want to have options. Lol.
No Breakout
It seems that many people have problems with the MAC Studio Fix Foundation, what with clogged pores, huge cystic pimples, and creating havoc on the skin! Screen grab video mac. Terrible!
I didn't get those from using this foundation. I naturally have pores that are prone to clogging and I never have a face free of pimples (sad life). When I used the MAC Foundation, my skin condition did not get better or worse – it remained the same.
I would think that using the sponge applicator might have caused some reactions on the skin due to accumulated dirt and grime and oil on the sponge. EW. That's why I never use the sponge applicator, even though it is stored in a separate compartment which makes it slightly more hygenic than those that sit on top of the powder all the time.
Instead of throwing out the MAC Studio Fix Foundation the moment mayhem occurs, try switching to a makeup face brush. That could make a difference!
Shades for Everyone
MAC's strong value proposition is that it has such a great color range for skin undertones and skin tones. You are bound to find a good color match, provided you get a right match in the first place. MUAs are reputed to give wrong color matches, so doing some homework beforehand is ideal. Scroll between windows mac.
For example, if you use ZA 21, try searching around for people who use the same shade and their respective MAC shade. It is best to go to a store to play with the colors yourself and also ask a MUA for help.
I did my research beforehand and went down to a MAC store to confirm my shade – NC25. Online piano keyboard with songs. It is good to know your MAC shade as people tend to use MAC as a guideline.
I am on the lighter side of NC25 though, if I could, I'd like an NC23.5 match, please.
Left: Old NC25 pan; Right: New NC25 pan. No difference!
'I'm NC 20-25, which shade should I use for MUFE Mat Velvet +?', 'What kind of blush is suitable for NC35 skin?', are typical types of questions people will ask.
I also like that MAC Studio Fix Foundation does not turn orange (oxidize) on me. Very important!
Bun Bun gives the MAC Studio Fix Foundation a rating of:
Do you know of any good dupes for the (expensive) MAC Studio Fix Foundation? I've read reviews comparing the Maybelling Dream Matte Powder and have even tried it out myself. Not too bad for that price, a little less coverage and not as finely milled though.
Don't forget to leave your name for a chance to win Daiso Brush Cleansers! It's closing at the end of this week! =D
Looking for MAC makeup dupes that won't break the bank but will add to your collection? You've come to the right place!
RELATED: 5 Tutorials To Teach You How To Apply Makeup Like A Pro
The Best Makeup Dupes Which Really Work
Makeup Dupes Savings and Surprises
Before you burn your pockets splurging on high-end makeup and their bestselling lipstick, check out the best MAC makeup dupes to get your hands on.
If MAC makeup products are starting to put a dent in your savings, these makeup dupes will save you tons of money. Plus, they can be as good and awesome as any other beauty products on the market!
1. MAC Prep & Prime vs Rimmel Stay Matte Primer
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Do you love MAC's primer? You can get the same finish for a fraction of the price with Rimmel's matte primer.
MAC Prep + Prime costs $34.99, while Rimmel's primer will only set you back $3.99, saving you $31 just by making the switch.
2. MAC Studio Face & Body Foundation vs Maybelline FIT Me! Foundation
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MAC's popular face and body foundation is known for its lightweight coverage and natural finish. Surprisingly, Maybelline's FIT me! foundation offers the same coverage and finish as well.
What's the price difference? You can get the MAC foundation at $52.97 and the Maybelline Fit Me! for only $5.34.
3. MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation vs Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder
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If MAC's Studio Fix Powder Plus foundation has been a staple in your makeup kit, but you find the price to be getting more expensive by the day, why not give Rimmel's Stay Matte Pressed Powder a try? https://food-free.mystrikingly.com/blog/010-editor-10-0-12.
The Studio Fix is priced at around $40.25 and the Stay Matte powder is only $11.07. They show the same finish and the same coverage, but the price difference is huge!
4. MAC Studio Fix Concealer vs NYX Full Coverage Concealer
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MAC's Studio Fix concealer is a product women swear by. If getting one jar after another is too costly, give NYX Full Coverage concealer a try.
The price difference? $21.75. MAC concealer is priced at $26 while the one from NYX is only $4.25.
5. MAC Melba Powder Blush vs NYX Mauve Powder Blush
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The MAC Melba blush is inside a lot of professional makeup artist's kit and is priced at $30.91, while the NYX Mauve blush is priced at $14.99. What a big price difference considering the color and finish are identical. Savings for a makeup dupes blush!
6. MAC Mineralize SkinFinish Gold Deposit vs Makeup Revolution Vivid ‘Rock on World' Baked Bronzer
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If you're looking for a makeup dupes bronzer which is very close to the shade of MAC's Mineralize SkinFinish in Gold Deposit, the closest thing you can buy is Makeup Revolution's Rock On World Baked Bronzer.
Although Rock On World is slightly lighter, the price difference makes it an essential buy. Gold Deposit is priced at around $42.98 while Rock On World only costs around $16.50.
7. MAC Nylon Eyeshadow vs Best Pro Eyeshadow Palette Makeup
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Looking for a cheaper alternative to MAC's Nylon eyeshadow as your highlighter? Well, next in line is the Best Pro Eyeshadow Palette Makeup.
Look at how they are almost identical. Nylon is priced at $26.99 while Best Pro Eyeshadow Palette Makeup will only cost you $13.95, and that's a whole palette.
RELATED: 10 Gorgeous Holiday Makeup Looks
8. MAC Eyeshadows vs NYX Cosmetics
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Smokey eyes, nude eyes, or golden eyes? No problem!
Instead of filling your palette with all-MAC eyeshadows, I've got this NYX Cosmetics as MAC dupes for you.
9. MAC Spiked Eyebrow Pencil vs Maybelline Define-A-Brow
Mac Studio Fix Powder Review
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Filling in your eyebrows is crucial to your look, but getting the right shade is just as important. Split large files mac. If you've been using MAC's Spiked Eyebrow Pencil, you can switch to Maybelline's Define-A-Brow instead.
MAC's pencil is priced at $29.16 while Maybelline's pencil is only priced at $8.99.
10. MAC Liquidlast Liner vs Milani Infinite
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If you want to wear eyeliner which is long-lasting and won't smudge, MAC's Liquidlast Liner will definitely deliver. But if you finish your tube fast, maybe you can try a cheaper alternative like Milani's Infinite liquid liner.
Liquidlast will cost you $25.89 a tube, while Milani will only take $6.99 from your wallet.
11. MAC 1 Faux Eyelashes vs Elegant Lashes in #006 Black
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If you're a big fan of false eyelashes, I'm sure you've noticed how expensive it can get when you're continuously having to buy new sets. After all, MAC 1 False Eyelashes at $25.50 a pop is just not right!
There's an exact dupe of this in Elegant Lashes' #006 and how much does this cost? $11.99 for 3 pairs, that's $3.99 each pair.
When you get more, the price goes down even more. Whoa!
12. MAC Prep + Prime Lip vs NYX Lip Primer
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Wearing a liquid lipstick every day can make your lip primer run out fairly quickly. Instead of buying MAC Prep + Prime Lip over and over again at $34.99, perhaps you can buy NYX Lip Primer instead at only $4.79.
Now you can rock a bold liquid lipstick without worrying about drying out your lips.
13. MAC Lipsticks vs Wet n Wild Lip Colors
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I know you guys love MAC's lipsticks because of their awesome shades, but hold on just one minute. Did you know you can buy beauty dupes in the same shade of lipstick you love in the form of a Wet n Wild Lip Color?
You can save up to $14 on your lipstick allowing you to collect some more. Hurray for MAC lipstick dupes!
Mac Studio Fix Powder Nc10
14. MAC Rollerwheel Liquid Liner vs Revlon ColorStay Exactify Liquid Liner
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When news first broke about MAC releasing a pizza cutter eyeliner, the internet went wild. Why not?
MAC Rollerwheel Liquid Liner is the first of its kind. For $51.55, you get to draw a thin and precise line on your lid but if the price is too much for you, then perhaps Revlon ColorStay Exactify Liquid Liner will suit you.
For a fraction of the price ($4.01), you get to save alot!
15. MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Setting Spray vs Wet n Wild PhotoFocus Setting Spray
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Setting sprays are heaven-sent in a world where makeup must be on fleek and last all day. MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Setting Spray does just that but for a hefty $24.51.
Wet n Wild PhotoFocus Setting Spray, on the other hand, just costs $3.98. Talk about a lot of dollars in savings!
It's guaranteed to keep your makeup in place all day. What's more, is it's cruelty-free.
We all know how much we love MAC lipsticks so check out this video by KathleenLights to find more dupes:
A good bargain is irresistible, especially when it comes to makeup. Why spend $30 on makeup you can get for less than $10?
This is exactly why a lot of women are on the lookout for the best drugstore dupes out there. MAC is one of the most popular makeup brands in the world, but its price is big time as well!
Starting today, you'll know where to go when you need to shop for makeup. You'll smile ear-to-ear with all the savings, and I'm sure your wallet will be left smiling too.
Splurge or save? Definitely, save! Go and share the good news with your friends!
Did you find the perfect makeup dupes for you? Or do you have more to share? Don't forget to comment below and share your thoughts!
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Pricing Disclaimer: Please note that prices on this list are subject to change without further notice based on price fluctuations on the shopping sites. Please refer to the links for actual prices. All prices on this list are accurate as of November 11, 2019.
Editor's Note: This post was originally published on March 19, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
